August 15, 2014UncategorizedComments Off on NZ Superfund office occupied: call to divest from Israel

Press Release – People Against Israeli Apartheid

In light of the murder of nearly 2000 captive Palestinians in Gaza, activist group People Against Israeli Apartheid are currently occupying the NZ Superfund office to oppose the investment of New Zealanders tax money into companies which profit …15 August 2014

Stop Superfunding Israeli Apartheid

In light of the murder of nearly 2000 captive Palestinians in Gaza, activist group People Against Israeli Apartheid are currently occupying the NZ Superfund office to oppose the investment of New Zealanders tax money into companies which profit off Israel’s violence against Palestinians.

12.00pm onwards Friday 15 August

NZ Superfund office, Level 12 , 21 Queen Street, Auckland

“We’ve witnessed the bombing of schools, hospitals and shelters in a bloody Israeli incursion into Gaza, the third of its type in less than six years. The only way for this kind of human suffering to continue, is for good people to stand by and do nothing while our taxes fund this bloodshed,” says PAIA Spokeswoman Nadia Abu-Shanab.

“We are occupying the NZ Superfund office today to send a clear message; we demand our tax dollars are immediately withdrawn from companies which arm Israel and help maintain it’s brutal regime of occupation and siege.

“Companies such as Israel Chemicals Ltd, which produces white phosphorous, a chemical that’s use in war was banned by UN Convention because of its extremely harmful effects on civilians. White phosphorous was used by the Israeli military in Gaza in 2008/2009 in densely populated areas, causing extreme human suffering and loss of life among men, women and children.

“In 2012, Superfund divested from a number of companies which profit off Israel’s war crimes, such as Elbit Systems, a drone manufacturer.

“Today, however, NZ Superfund continues to invest in companies* which supply Israel with the means to attack civilians, and in companies which profit from the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These investments are an affront to international law and the principles of human rights.

“NZ Superfund has taken an ethical stance on not investing with companies tied to nuclear weaponry and whaling. We want to see this same compassion afforded to Palestinians. As taxpayers we do not want to see our money invested in the suffering and murder of other human beings.”